Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed World Bank Group President Ajay Banga on his first official visit to Pakistan, highlighting the importance of the Bank’s support in promoting economic reforms and sustainable development.

During the meeting, both leaders emphasized the fast-track implementation and effective monitoring of Pakistan’s 10-year Country Partnership Framework, underlining the significance of long-term collaboration in infrastructure, agriculture, digital growth, energy, and private investment promotion.

The PM expressed appreciation for the World Bank’s role in supporting Pakistan’s reform agenda and stressed the government’s commitment to comprehensive programs for sustainable economic stability.

President Banga lauded Pakistan’s ongoing reform efforts and pledged deeper cooperation, while highlighting the need to efficiently utilize private resources and strengthen development partnerships.

In a separate engagement, Prime Minister also met UNESCO Director-General Dr Khaled El-Ani and congratulating him on his recent appointment.

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Federal ministers Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui and Aurangzeb Khan Khichi were also present. The discussions reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to promoting education and preserving cultural heritage.

The PM briefed Dr El-Ani on the ‘Education Emergency’ initiative aimed at increasing school enrollments and expressed satisfaction with UNESCO’s support in safeguarding six of Pakistan’s cultural heritage sites.

The DG toured various schools and cultural sites and emphasized UNESCO’s continued support in education, science, and culture. The Prime Minister invited UNESCO to consider including additional sites, such as the Khewra Salt Mines, in the list of protected cultural heritage locations.